Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan recently shared heartfelt memories of the late industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9. During an episode of *Kaun Banega Crorepati* Season 16, featuring guests Farah Khan and Boman Irani, Bachchan reflected on his admiration for Tata, describing him as “such a simple human being.” He poignantly remarked, “Kya aadmi the main bata nahi sakta” (What a man he was).
Bachchan recounted a memorable incident that took place on a flight to London. Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, Tata realized he had misplaced his aides. “He went into the phone booth to call,” Bachchan remembered with a smile. “After a while, he came out, approached me, and, I can’t believe that he said this – ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don’t have money to make a phone call.’” This anecdote highlighted Tata’s humility, even in a moment of need.
In another touching story, Bachchan shared how Tata’s modesty left a friend astonished. He recalled an occasion when a friend gave Tata a ride home after an event. “Ratan Tata told my friend, ‘Can you drop me home? I just live behind your house,’” Bachchan said. “Ratan Tata saying, ‘I don’t have a car’ – can you imagine that? It’s unbelievable.” Such moments exemplify the down-to-earth nature of a man who was one of India’s most revered figures.
Bachchan’s connection with Tata also extended to their professional lives. Tata Infomedia Ltd financed Bachchan’s film *Aetbaar*, which unfortunately did not perform well at the box office, leading to a reported loss of around ₹3.5 crore for the Tata group. Following Tata’s passing, Bachchan was one of the first to express his condolences on social media, stating, “An era has ended—a most respected, humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve.” Ratan Tata’s funeral on October 11 in Mumbai was attended by several dignitaries, including Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Amit Shah, and Mukesh Ambani.
